The Staff of Mother & Child

Executive Director: Maura White

Maura started her passion for community advocacy at the age of 8 when she held her first fundraiser, a Rusty Nails Carnival for kids. After graduating from Oregon State University, Maura taught pre-school and then backpacked through Europe after a short study program at Trinity College in Dublin. Back home, Maura jumped into a rewarding non-profit career with Portland State University’s housing organization Portland Student Services, University of Portland’s Alumni Association, Portland & Molalla PAL, consulted with the Oregon Health Authority Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, and then helped create the Clackamas Dogs Foundation before joining Mother & Child Education Center. Maura holds a BA in Technical Journalism, and received her Master’s degree in Human Services from University of Portland. Throughout her career, Maura has raised more than $10 million for her favorite causes, developed a national training program for non-profit administrators, and fostered positive connections between public officials, businesses and community programs. People say Maura has a knack for matching people with causes, careers, and capers, and she can still sing all the songs from Marlo Thomas’s Free to Be You and Me.

Client Care Lead & Educator: Jess Rengo

Jess builds community through art, listening, connecting with people with a compassionate approach, and holding space for those expecting or caring for children. Jess started as a college intern with Mother & Child. After graduating from Marylhurst University with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Art therapy, Business & Community, Jess joined the staff in a lead role. Jess highly values education and respect, and incorporates this into her daily life. She expects to complete a Childbirth Education certification program in December 2018. Jess keeps busy as the mother of three school-age children, as a Board Member for a local co-op, and with her photography hobby. Prior experience includes five years on local Boards, property management, teaching preschool, being a nanny and traveling through Europe and Japan.

Events & Communications Coordinator: Anne Bumbalough

Anne works to communicate the mission of Mother & Child through marketing materials, social media, emails, website updates, and internal and external events. She believes parents are key stakeholders in changing the world, in the way they care for themselves and their children. Anne brings volunteer management, troubleshooting, organization, and creative thinking to Mother & Child. Anne, who graduated from O’More College of Design in Tennessee, is the mother of one son. In her spare time, Anne volunteers in the community and runs.

Bookkeeper & Latino Outreach: Michele Smith

Michele started with Mother & Child as a client before being hired to assist with bookkeeping. Today, Michele is the bookkeeper, answers the Spanish line, shares resources and regularly shares about the mission of MCEC in the community. Michele also works as the Bilingual Community Information Specialist for 211, is the Lead Family Shelter Line call taker and is part of the Green Team. Michele received her Associates Degree from Mt. Hood Community College in Science & General Studies and the proud mother of a soon-to-be kindergartner. Michele enjoys gardening, exercising, participating in library activities with her son, and helping provide translation for documents wherever she goes.

Counselor: Lynne Nanson

Interns + Volunteers:

Mother & Child is a majority volunteer-run organization. Without the help of individuals and groups Mother & Child could not serve the number of families it does each year. Could this face be yours?! Perhaps it could! View our Volunteer Page for Details.

If for College Credit, e-mail an Intern Application with cover letter or resume, and Apply to Complete Your Internship with Us! Speak a second language? Bonus! Skills may include: quiet conversation, trauma awareness, empathy, follow-up calls, connecting parents to supplies and local resources, working with at-risk populations, understanding other cultures. Training provided. Graphic/Web/Photo/Video projects also available!